Deadline set for USM president applicants

The story

Martha Saunders resignation as president of the University of Southern Mississippi in June left the school looking for a new leader.

The search for a new college president hasn't gone away.

It's simply taken a cat nap, so that observers can devote their attention to more important matters, such as the travails of the Golden Eagle football program.

What ever happened?

When we last reported on the search in September via the campus listening sessions, several members of the Campus Search Advisory Committee expressed displeasure that they would not be able to meet to discuss the candidate resumes once the application date has closed.

That has changed however.

"We were informed by the committee chair (Lou Ann Poynter, chair of the Area Development Partnership) that we would be able to discuss the candidates together," said Faculty Senate President Mary Ann Adams, a committee member.

Each committee member will pick his or her top candidates from the resumes of applicants that will make their way back to the state College Board search committee.

What's next?

Applications will soon be forthcoming. Parker Executive Search posted the job listing last week at various websites, such as the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The description asks for a president who is a "strategic thinker," with the ability "to lead with financial integrity."

It also asks for president who "has an appreciation for the value of a strong Division I intercollegiate athletic program."

You can find the job listing at the Parker website, www.parkersearch.com.

Interested parties will have nearly two months to throw their hat in the ring. In a press release Friday, the state College Board said it has extended the deadline for resumes to Dec. 14.

"To allow more time for nominations and applications," College Board spokeswoman Caron Blanton said.

According to Adams, that's still not much time given the high stakes of finding a new president.

"It just seems like a quick turnaround," Adams said. "We want every opportunity to get as many qualified candidates as possible."

A College Board press release stated that interviews are scheduled for early in the spring semester, with preferred candidate visits "tentatively" scheduled for February.

One candidate who is definitely not applying is higher ed Commissioner Hank Bounds, who said as much in a Clarion-Ledger article last week.

When asked about his comments, Adams didn't answer directly.

"I think the Faculty Senate has pretty much made its opinion known on this one," she said, referring to their desire for a president with previous administrative experience at the university level.

Ed Kemp, staff writer

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Deadline set for USM president applicants

Martha Saunders resignation as president of the University of Southern Mississippi in June left the school looking for a new leader.